Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Hala Zawati stressed the importance of the Arab Potash Company (APC) expanding its projects to increase the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s mining sector and improve its GDP contribution.

During a recent visit to APC factories in Ghour Al Safi, Zawati praised the "distinguished role” of the APC in supporting the national economy and developing local communities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Saturday.

The minister said that the Jordan’s mining sector contributes to about 7.7 per cent of the Kingdom’s GDP and 20 per cent of its national export.

APC Board Chairman Shehadeh Abu Hdeib noted that the APC is among "the 100 most powerful companies” in the Middle East for 2021. The APC is the eighth largest potash producer in the world and the only Arab company in the field, according to Abu Hdeib.

The APC board chairman added that the company has developed "good plans” to address potential challenges in international potash markets, such as pressures on selling rates and fluctuations in APC shares due to the increasing competitiveness among international producers.

APC CEO Maen Nsour explained how government institutions that specialise in the investment environment have brought awareness to how increasing APC’s levels of competitiveness can benefit the company, its investors, its workers and the surrounding local communities.